Chris Hemsworth will be at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday. Pictured: Hemsworth at the premiere of ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, in mid-May. (Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)
The first official day of Comic-Con International starts on Thursday, July 25, with “Thor” star Chris Hemsworth and several popular TV shows.
Hemsworth will be in Hall H to promote his latest movie, “Transformers One,” which is an animated feature from Paramount. Popular shows, with their casts, are also scheduled for Hall H: “What We Do in the Shadows” (FX) and “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” (Disney+).
Other events sure to gather interest are actor Dave Bautista discussing his new graphic novel, comic book legend Todd McFarlane giving a “Spawn” movie update and two Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles panels. There’s also an empty slot in Hall H from 6:30-7:30 p.m. listed as “to be announced” so it could be Comic-Con is leaving a spot open for any last minute big names.
Here are some highlights with official descriptions courtesy of the folks at Comic-Con.
For a complete schedule, go here.
Illustrating Disney Magic: Rick Law
Dive into the captivating world of illustrator/producer Rick Law, whose iconic illustrations have graced Disney Home Video covers for decades and instantly spark cherished memories. Rick shares the design process and his personal history behind these timeless covers while also shedding light on his diverse career in the entertainment industry. Moderated by Jeff DePaoli (Dizney Coast to Coast Podcast). Room 32AB, 10-11 a.m.
Ronda Rousey and Dave Bautista
Be treated to an action-packed, candid conversation between UFC and WWE champion, former Judoka, and actress Ronda Rousey and actor/producer and former WWE superstar Dave Bautista as they discuss Ronda’s debut graphic novel “Expecting the Unexpected” and their journeys after stepping out of the ring. Eisner Award–winning artist Mike Deodato, Jr., and AWA chief creative officer Axel Alonso will also join in to celebrate the book’s Kickstarter launch and the innovative creative process behind this powerful project. Room 6A, 10-11 a.m.
Marvel Rivals: The Story, Art, and Sound of the Game
The Marvel Rivals panel gives an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the next great superhero shooter game. Get insights from the NetEase Games creative team, including Jinghua Duan (lead narrative designer), Dino Ma (art director), and Donger Gan (narrative designer), along with the Marvel Games creative team: Danny Koo (executive producer), Dakota Maysonet (creative development manager), and Dan LaDuca (senior art director) as they delve into the story, art, and sound design of the game. Expect exclusive reveals, including a new game trailer and special panelist appearances. Ballroom 20, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Mattel WWE Elite Squad Panel
The Mattel WWE Elite Squad defends their title again as the action figure champions of Comic-Con with all-new WWE action figure reveals and WWE Superstar guests. Featuring the Mattel Design team and WWE Superstars. Room 6A, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
‘Transformers One’
Paramount Animation and Hasbro Entertainment bring a panel discussion and exclusive footage presentation to fans with talent Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Keegan-Michael Key, along with the director, Academy Award-winner Josh Cooley, and producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura. Hall H, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Cowabunga! TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman reflects on 40 years of his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Room 29AB, 12-1 p.m.
Todd McFarlane
Todd McFarlane gives an update on the Spawn movie, all upcoming comic projects, toys, and much more. Ballroom 20, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
DC’s Absolute Power Panel
Some of DC’s top storytellers dive deeper into DC Publishing’s 2024 blockbuster summer event. Room 6DE, 12:45-1-:45 p.m.
‘SpongeBob SquarePants’
What’s funnier than 24? 25! Nickelodeon is celebrating “SpongeBob SquarePants’” landmark 25th anniversary with a panel that will take fans down to Bikini Bottom and beyond for a special look at its iconic origins, including a live cast table read of “Help Wanted,” exclusive content, and the nautical nonsense to come. Join the voice cast, Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs), and Mr. Lawrence (Plankton), along with executive producers Marc Ceccarelli and Vincent Waller, and special guests as they celebrate one of the most popular characters and beloved animated series of all time. It’s going to be the “Best Day Ever!” Moderated by Good Burgers’ Ed (Kel Mitchell). Hall H, 1-2 p.m.
Lego Ninjago
The “Ninjago: Dragon’s Rising” team will discuss the current run, the upcoming 15th anniversary of Ninjago, and the future of Ninjago. They’ll take a deep dive into the evolution of the show from a writing and production perspective as well as offer insights about the characters from the voice actors themselves. Featuring Pamela Keller (LEGO/exec producer), Chris “Doc” Wyatt and Kevin Burke (head writers), Ryan Burns (LEGO/exec producer), Deven Mack (voice of Arin), and Sabrina Pitre (voice of Sora). Room 6BCF, 1-2 p.m.
The Human Fly
The Human Fly Marvel Comics series, touting “The Wildest Super-Hero Ever—Because He’s Real!,” featured fun work by Bill Mantlo, Carmine Infantino, Frank Springer, and John Byrne. Now this “real-life” superhero is back for an updated foray into a new series of comics and a feature film. Stephen S. Campanelli (the director of the movie in development who has made movies with Clint Eastwood for 30 years) is joined by several writers of the new comics: Tony Babinski (partner, Human Fly International; author, Twenty Years Under the Sun), Jim Krueger (Eisner Award–winning Justice, Earth-X, Steve Aoki’s HiroQuest), and Dana Brawer (Agent Stoker, Steve Aoki’s Neon Future). Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor, 1-2 p.m.
TOKYOPOP
Publishing manga since 1997, team TOKYOPOP discusses recent releases, upcoming titles, new imprints, and what’s yet to come. Room 28DE, 1-2 p.m.
Teacup
Executive producers James Wan and Ian McCulloch and stars Yvonne Strahovski, Scott Speedman, and Chaske Spencer offer an exclusive sneak peek at Peacock and Atomic Monster’s upcoming original horror series Teacup, a terrifying tale following a disparate group of people in rural Georgia who must come together in the face of a mysterious threat in order to survive. Moderated by Damian Holbrook of TV Guide magazine. Ballroom 20, 1:45-2:45 p.m.
Sapphic Romance
Bestselling authors Allison Saft (A Dark and Drowning Tide), Heather Walter (The Crimson Crown), and Kiersten White (Lucy Undying: A Dracula Story) discuss their upcoming sapphic fantasy-romance novels. They will discuss their influences and inspirations, as well as the joy of imagining fresh new fantastical stories celebrating F/F relationships and love. Moderated by Ava Reid (Lady Macbeth). Room 9, 2-3 p.m.
Jim Lee
World-renowned comic book artist, writer, and president/publisher/chief creative officer of DC Jim Lee (Batman, Superman, Justice League, Suicide Squad) talks about his 35+ years in the comics industry and sketches your favorite characters live on the big screen. Watch the creative process first-hand and learn the tricks of the trade that bring DC’s characters to life. Room 6DE, 2-3 p.m.
‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’
The Disney+ hit original series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” will make its debut at Comic-Con with an epic panel filled with behind-the-scenes stories and secrets from the set. Walker Scobell (Percy Jackson), Leah Sava Jeffries (Annabeth Chase), Aryan Simhadri (Grover Underwood), and Jonathan E. Steinberg (co-creator, executive producer) and Dan Shotz (executive producer) reflect on the triumphant first season, discuss bringing the iconic characters to life, answer burning questions during an exclusive fan Q&A session, and take a look back at moments from production and the global launch of the series. Hall H, 2:15 -3:15 p.m.
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Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Cowabunga! From the studio that brought audiences the Mutant Mayhem film, the all-new Paramount+ original series Tales of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles explores the adventures of everyone’s favorite pizza-loving heroes as they emerge from the sewers and onto the streets of NYC. Join the voices of Leo, Raph, Donnie, Mikey, as well as series producers, for an exclusive panel featuring never-before-seen content moderated by host, writer, podcaster, and stand-up comedian, Claire Lim. Room 6BCF, 2:15-3:15 p.m.
‘Those About to Die’
Dive into the Roman Empire’s explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties as featured in Those About to Die with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Peacock series by executive producer/director Roland Emmerich and stars Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Moe Hashim, Jojo Macari, and Dimitri Leonidas. Moderated by Perri Nemiroff of Collider. Ballroom 20, 3-4 p.m.
AEW
After record-setting attendance inside Wembley Stadium and their biggest year ever, All Elite Wrestling continues to rise from the seeds of a wrestling revolution sewn in 2019 to a powerhouse global phenomenon that’s now home to some of wrestling’s biggest names. This year Comic-Con will be the intersection of major announcements across different fandoms, including a DC Comics partnership and an Adult Swim on-the-ground brand integration. In celebration of their five-year anniversary, AEW stars Swerve Strickland, “Timeless” Toni Storm, Will Ospreay, Orange Cassidy, Britt Baker, and Darby Allin take you inside the ropes for an all-access look at the evolution from a renegade upstart to one of the most watched weekly programs on television. Room 6BCF, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
‘What We Do in the Shadows’
You are summoned to join America’s favorite vampire roommates as they kick off their farewell tour at Comic-Con! Join the cast and producers for a high-spirited conversation, and be among the first to see a brand-new episode from the sixth and final season. Hall H, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Star Wars: Books, Comics and Games
From The High Republic to the Age of Rebellion, join storytellers of all kinds in this epic celebration of creativity across the Star Wars Galaxy, with exciting reveals from upcoming books, comics, and games. Moderated by Patton Oswalt, this panel will bring together writers, artists, and actors from across the Star Wars Galaxy, including the voice cast behind the upcoming open-world scoundrel adventure Star Wars Outlaws: Humberly Gonzalez (Kay Vess), Jay Rincon (ND-5), and legendary Star Wars voice actor Dee Bradley Baker (Nix, Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars: The Bad Batch). Attendees can also expect a sneak peek at what is next for upcoming Star Wars books and comics from Justina Ireland (Defy the Storm; Mission to Disaster), Tessa Gratton (Temptation of the Force), and Cavan Scott (Star Wars: The High Republic: Children of the Storm). Ballroom 20, 4:15-5:15 p.m.
Venus Prime
Be part of the first public discussion of Venus Prime, an upcoming TV series adaptation of the bestselling book franchise from sci-fi legend Arthur C. Clarke and author Paul Preuss. The series revolves around an amnesic woman with biomechanically enhanced abilities who must uncover the truth about her past and her purpose while she escapes and evades the deadly forces trying to harness her talents to rule the galaxy. Hear from director/executive producer Jonathan Frakes (Star Trek: The Next Generation), co-showrunners David Cormican (Shadowhunters) and Dwayne Hill (Mean Girls), executive producer Lucas Vivo (Insânia), co-CEO of Volume Global Christopher Harrington, and surprise guests as they reveal the intricacies behind making this ambitious scripted series a reality. Room 6BCF, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
Hasbro G.I. JOE Brand Panel
The G.I. JOE development team presents a live launch of the new Classified Series HasLab. This behind-the-scenes look will also feature new product news, including never-before-heard stories, digital character renders, in-hand figure prototypes, pre-order launches, and more. Room 25ABC, 5-6 p.m.
Simon & Schuster
Simon & Schuster Children and YA publishing offers a sneak peek at the hottest books and properties coming in 2024, including books by fan-favorite authors. Attendees receive a free tote bag. Room 4, 6-7 p.m.
The Her Universe Fashion Show
Ashley Eckstein (Her Universe founder and voice of Ahsoka Tano) and Michael James Scott (Broadway star) host the 2024 Her Universe Fashion Show brought to you by Mattel and Her Universe. This year 25 designers will showcase their one-of-a-kind fandom-inspired designs on the runway. Harbor Ballroom, Hyatt, 6-8 p.m.
Bat in the Sun: ‘Legend of the White Dragon’
The long-awaited film starring the legendary Jason David Frank is set to release later this year. The cast and crew talk about wonderful experiences with the actor on set and hear behind-the-scenes stories. Be sure and stay until the end, because the team has prepared something special to show. Room 6DE, 7-8 p.m.